Trans Care Services

Services for Transgender/Gender Non-Conforming (TGNC)/Genderqueer Students

Role of the Trans Care Team (TCT)

The TCT was developed to support staff clinical work with clients who identify as transgender or gender nonconforming (TGNC) and to assist those students who are specifically seeking support services and/or referral for gender-related services.

What to Expect:

Initial Assessment: Individuals seeking documentation for gender confirming procedures must complete an Initial Assessment.  When you call to schedule your first appointment, feel free to inform front desk staff that you are interested in Trans Care Team services.  Depending upon appointment availability, we may be able to schedule you with an intake counselor on the Trans Care Team.  If not, we will match you with a clinician on the team following your initial assessment.

In the event that you would benefit from or require counseling services beyond the scope of CAPS treatment model, we work with you to get you connected with appropriate treatment in the community.

Ongoing Evaluation: The evaluation related to HRT is an ongoing process focused on ensuring that you are able to make the most informed decision regarding your care.  It involves collaborative exploration of your history of gender dysphoria, education regarding risks & benefits of hormone therapy, and if applicable, stabilization of any medical or mental health conditions that may impact your well-being or ability to fully consent to gender confirming procedures.  The ongoing evaluation unfolds over the course of time, with the amount of sessions determined on a case-by-case basis.

WPATH Standards of Care: The Trans Care Team follows guidelines set forth by WPATH, in accordance with best practices in the field of medicine and psychology.  See below for a brief explanation of eligibility criteria for hormone therapy according to WPATH:

  1. Age of majority (typically 18 in the U.S.);
  2. Persistent, well-document gender dysphoria;
  3. Capacity to make a fully informed decision and consent to treatment; and
  4. If significant medical or mental health conditions are present, they must be reasonably well-controlled.

These criteria will be reviewed in depth with you with the guidance of your Trans Care Team clinician. It is important to keep in mind that the presence of a mental health condition does not necessarily preclude an individual from obtaining hormone therapy.  The Trans Care Team is committed to helping reduce barriers to the Trans community obtaining gender confirming treatment.  We take care to address any mental health needs that could impact your treatment throughout the evaluation process in order to best support you and maintain your health & safety.  The plan for your treatment plan is based on your individualized needs.  You will be fully informed of the rationale behind any treatment recommendations throughout the process.

Therapy Services: At CAPS we strive for well-rounded services. We offer ongoing individual counseling services and we offer multiple Trans Support Groups each semester.

 

Resources:

For Clients

For Families and Loved Ones